This program examines the Japanese matsuri or “summer festival,” perhaps the best elucidation of that country’s ancient polytheism. Ceremony footage from Tokyo and surrounding areas illustrates various festival activities and explores the Japanese cultural emphasis on community, cooperation, and folk worship. Commentary by Japanese cultural scholar Yoshi Morikatsu, interviews with festival participants, and astonishing crowd scenes of matsuri processions make clear that Japan derives a strong sense of unity from these communal celebratory rituals. (Portions in Japanese with English subtitles, 21 minutes)

Tell a Friend! Your Name: Your Email: Your Friend's Email: Your Message: We respect your privacy and will not use your friend's address without permission. Item#: BVL33908 Copyright date: ©2002 VHS ISBN 978-1-4213-0855-5 DVD ISBN 978-1-4213-0856-2

VHS	$69.95
DVD	$69.95
DVD + 3-Year Streaming	$104.92
3-Year Streaming	$69.95

Prices include public performance rights.
Only available in the US and Canada.

		Bunraku: Masters of Japanese Puppet Theater Born in Osaka some 300 years ago, Japanese puppet theater-Bunraku-is a stunning yet refined spectacle. This program presents the story of Bunraku through two of its greatest masters, puppeteer Tamao Yoshida and chanter Sumitayu Takemoto. Brought toge...(more details)		VHS $149.95 DVD $149.95 DVD + 3-Year Streaming $224.92 3-Year Streaming $149.95
		Family From prehistoric extended families to today's double-income and single-parent families, the family as an institution has undergone dramatic change. This program examines the concept of family as viewed around the world and down through time. Historia...(more details)		VHS $89.95 DVD $89.95 DVD + 3-Year Streaming $134.92 3-Year Streaming $89.95
		Spirits of the State: Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine honors and venerates the spirits of Japanese soldiers and officers-including convicted and executed war criminals. This program explores the history of the Shinto shrine, the complexity of its functions, and the controversies ...(more details)		VHS $89.95 DVD $89.95 DVD + 3-Year Streaming $134.92 3-Year Streaming $89.95
		Tokyo: The Neon City Tokyo is one of the most technologically advanced cities on the planet, but Japan's low birth rate and the diversifying interests of its young people are causing Tokyo to rely increasingly on skilled immigrant labor. This program examines the implica...(more details)		VHS $89.95 DVD $89.95 DVD + 3-Year Streaming $134.92 3-Year Streaming $89.95
		Sushi: A Bite of Culture, Aesthetics, and Nature There is an old Japanese adage that "the best food is that which is least prepared." This program looks at Kyoto-style sushi both as a delicacy and as a symbol of Japanese cultural aesthetics. Footage of Kitamura Norio and Kitakura Hiroyuki-two of Ja...(more details)		VHS $59.95 DVD $59.95 DVD + 3-Year Streaming $89.93 3-Year Streaming $59.95

See additional titles in World Religions | Japanese | Cultural Anthropology | Asia & The Pacific